Starting out for rookies

www.stevens.com I think, put "Stevens Transport" in the google bar, They are not going to knock on your dor or call without a little effort from you. They are in Dallas, TX. Thanks.

 

To Notarps4me and Mack E-6,
Can you recommend a good school for Initial training? I live in Pensacola, FL. I am retired Mil and have no issues at all that would keep me from applying and attending training. I am swamped with info and just trying to make a good informed decision.
Thank you!
David Harrison
Pensacola, FL

 

I'm in the Houston area and about 1 mo away from truck driving school start and about 90 days from driving for "TO BE DETERMINED" Trucking.

Drove crude oil tankers over 20 yrs ago (easy job!). Just passed DOT phys at my own expense to be sure I'd pass. No prob, but glasses will be on my face to take the vision test. (If I don't leave office job, it will leave me. Just too slow to keep idle staff on.)

Local college offers schooling and some placement help with a few majors. I've talked to a few so far, seems mostly like courting at this time.

At the tender age of 56, I know this is a business and a lifestyle, but not a movie, or "gearjamming romance with a 13 speed Road Ranger". Five years in oilfield trucking cleared that up long ago.
(Don't smoke or drink, gambling bores me, loyal to wife. Clear driving record and all that.)

Questions:
1. Do most majors reimburse training over time?
2. If a team operation, what has been the experience of people here?
3. What about idling, eating, bathing, personal safety?
4. Laundry when on road?
5. Have read threads about super power ham and CB.
CB's were not much 20 yrs ago, have things improved?
6. Is qualcom like a GPS? Or dispatch communication to cab?
7. When read posts about bad trucking companies, is it likely that driver was irresponsible in some way?
8. How long does it take to establish your reputation for integrity?
9. Safe to sleep in big rest areas on interstate?

I come from a professional industry where irresponsibility can mean instant termination, and investigations can be frequent.

A good record keeper, and able to manage resources well, I need to hit about $35K-40K first year gross, after expenses. I'm confident I can manage my personal expenses down to $75/wk for food easily. I know how to use a cooler, shop at Wal-Mart for food, and eat responsibly, but sensibly.

I'm sure to have more, but this will get me started.

Straight answers please. - and Thanks!

 

I'm pressed for time at the moment, --- and was about to log out when I read your post and wondered how you define "Straight answers"?
Your answer could help other posters to better answer your questions.

Welcome to the Forums, Merlin.
Glad you found us.

 

Straight Answer = No spin - no romantic nonsense.
So, what actually has been your personal expierence?
Just the way it actually is for you.

 

HI everyone, I have questions with an "s" about the right path I should take to get to where I want to be. First off I'm from south Florida and just moved to Nashville, TN.I currently have a Class A permit from FLA& I'm trying 2 enroll into TDI trucking school to help with my license and exp. I already know how to drive but dont have exp on paper. I really have my heart set on becoming a Fuel Hauler(night shift) if anyone has advice it would be greatly appreciated!

 

Good point NoTarps4me:

I have 0 experience OTR, BUT from research here and elsewhere have seen many complaints and suggestions concerning dispatchers. One thing looks pretty clear, they can hurt you or help you... some are better than others. and Certainly NOT someone a driver would want to "piss off". That seems "valuable" knowledge to me.

 

OK, guys, I am in SMALL TOWN, GA ( literally, we are talking 4 redlights) My dad was a diesel mech. for Lend-Lease/United Trucking, when they had a base in Tallapoosa, GA years ago, he has long since passed away at age 38...24 yrs ago now. He loved working for them. I honestly don't know where to start. I'd love to do transports in the SE USA region, but I guess we cant choose that option, sometimes, as a newbie. I figure Ive got a preetty good chance, with my previous work history, as a paramedic for 20 years with a perfect driving record, doing that. Its a pretty dangerous job, in itself. any good reccomendations for newbies in GA?

 

They called me back in 2 days....I will be going to an accredited school in GA...guess they liked the choice....I do know one thing....they do TONS of reefer txps OTR...dunno If I want to be gone a month at a time....BUT sometimes you gotta do waht you gotta do to earn your wings...

 

I am in Southern California and looking for a good private school. I am interested in Schnieder trucking and saw that one of the two schools they will accept new drivers from is called Dolphin trucking school located in Covina. Has anyone heard anything about that school? I tried to search but found nothing about them.

Chuck